The Purple Aces had their second double-digit shot match of 2024
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team picked up their first result in Missouri Valley Conference play against the Murray State Racers.
Dominating possession time on Sunday the Purple Aces were able to earn their first point of the MVC season in a 0-0 draw with Murray State. UE took 13 shots against the Racers defense with senior forward Hailey Autenrieb (Cincinnati / Seton HS) leading the way with four. Fifth year goalkeeper Myia Danke (Laingsburg, Mich. / Laingsburg HS) made six saves through 90 minutes for 46 on the season.
“It felt good to get a point,” said Head Coach Chris Pfau. “I thought at Belmont we did everything we needed to do to get a point down there. When your keeper doesn’t have a save the whole game and you still lose one nothing, it’s frustrating at times.
“What’s great about this team is that they see how close they are to get on top of teams and create opportunities. We’re just an early goal away from really opening up the game. I thought the first half was some of the best soccer we’ve played all season. It was a great effort, a great team effort and a really good result against a really good team.”
It was a hot start for Evansville as the Aces took three shots in the first five minutes. Two of those chances forced saves from Murray State goalkeeper Griselda Revolorio as midfielder Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind. / Memorial HS) beat two defenders in the first minute for a shot to the top right of the goal. Forward Amy Velazquez (Avon, Ind. / Avon HS) put another shot on net in the fifth minute, forcing a diving save from Revolorio.
UE kept the pressure on with the next two shots. The Racers didn’t record a chance until the 12th minute while Evansville added another close chance in the 17th minute from Autenrieb. The Aces played more in the defensive end for the next 10 minutes. But UE returned quickly to offense in the 26th minute as Autenrieb fired off a shot that barely glanced off the crossbar. Evansville added two more shots before the end of the half, taking an eight to six shot advantage into the second 45 minutes.
It was Murray State who started the second half hot with two shots in the first three minutes. But the Aces matched the quick start with two shots of their own only three minutes later. As the half progressed it became a more even pace. The Races got hot again in the final 20 minutes, but UE’s defense stayed strong to keep it a nil-nil result.
Evansville continues conference play on the road later this week. The Aces travel to Springfield for their final regular season MVC match with the Missouri State Bears. Kick-off from Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th.
